In California, Jeff Fletcher notes Angels CF Mike Trout tomorrow will "honor Kobe Bryant by wearing specially designed black cleats, with purple and gold accents, for pregame workouts." Trout: "It’s cool to represent a guy who is a true ambassador to the NBA" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 4/12).
RETHINKING THEIR STANCE: Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman said of the NCAA rethinking their policy on athlete endorsements, “That’s one that is actually under consideration by the NCAA. It’s actually a time right now where student-athlete interests are being closely examined. … That and a number of other topics are under review and I think rightly by the NCAA, and it’s very possible that over the next year or two, as these ideas work their way through the legislative system, you could see change” (“Sports Illustrated Now,” SI.com, 4/8).
DEAL OR NO DEAL? In Boston, Jon Chesto notes New Balance is "renewing its opposition to the far-reaching Pacific Rim trade deal." The company said that the Obama administration "reneged on a promise to give the sneaker maker a fair shot at military business if it stopped bad-mouthing the agreement." However, "no order has been placed." New Balance officials said that the Pentagon "is intentionally delaying any purchase" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/12).
YARD WORK: The AFL yesterday announced a multiyear deal with Geico through the '18 season. Geico branding will be visible in the area stretching from the 10- to 15-yard line on each side of the field. The company's logo will also be featured across the Geico Goal Line, dasherboards and throughout all eight AFL venues. The agreement calls for markers at the 15-yard line to be labeled "15%" to coincide with the insurer's slogan (AFL).
